Kabul, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
But it is also a place where there are some of the greatest needs for humanitarian assistance.
So the dangers aren’t enough to deter Phedra Moon Morris, a Salmon Arm Secondary grad who now works for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
While she has an impressive resume of humanitarian work in India, Africa and South American countries, this will be her first experience in Afghanistan, as Canada wraps up military operations and shifts to working with non-governmental organizations to help the fledgling democracy meet the needs of its citizens. This includes administering international aid to assist with health care and education for the Afghan citizens.
This mission, which will last a year, with the possibility of a one-year renewal, will mark the first time Morris will head the international development aid team.
“Our focus will be on community-based education, maternity and newborn care and human rights for women and girls,” said Morris, during a recent visit to her parents’ Salmon Arm home.
“Because there are such high needs, it will be an excellent opportunity to make a difference.”
Morris points to education for girls as a critical issue, noting when Canada entered Afghanistan in 2008 there were under one million children in school and all of them were boys. By 2013, there were eight million children in school and 39 per cent were girls.
“It is difficult for anyone to defend their rights and protect their land when they do not even have basic literacy. We are placing a lot of emphasis on this,” she says.
What will make this trip significantly different from her previous ones is the level of security threat.
“I’ve been places where you take precautions, but it doesn’t have to be the first thing on your mind,” she says. “In Afghanistan, there are some areas that are just going to be off-limits totally and very restricted movement. All your meetings have to be planned in advance with the security team.”
To prepare for the situation, Morris has been participating in a rigourous government training program including personal security, learning how to react if there is violent attack on the streets or if she becomes caught up in a hostage or kidnapping situation.
‘I’m aware of the potential for negative security incidents. That’s part of what you sign up for, part of why these postings are generally not long-term.”
Morris speaks seven languages, but Pashto is not among them, so she will be relying on translators as she attempts to build relationships both with the new Afghan government officials and the citizens, as well as the local staff of Afghanis who help deliver the services and can often access areas of the country that are inaccessible to foreigners. This is especially critical as they try to form community schools for girls in remote areas of the country.
During her visit to Salmon Arm before deploying in June, Morris took the opportunity to speak to Salmon Arm Secondary students.
“I’m a grad from a small town, but that doesn’t have to limit your opportunity to work abroad. There are ways through Canadian Government youth initiatives that can link students with global issues.”
Morris also discussed the importance of young people voting. Her global experience in nations where women, in particular, are still fighting for the right to vote makes Morris want young Canadians to take advantage of the democratic rights that are often taken for granted.
“In Afghanistan, women are acutely aware of their rights and women are getting involved in politics there even on a higher level than in Canada, because they want those rights. They see it is a system in flux and they want to be a part of the change.”
Morris also wanted to spread the message about the good work and high esteem Canada has in the international community for its foreign aid programs.
“There’s tremendous good news that doesn’t make the TV channels or the Western media. Canadians should be proud of the role our country is playing. We are a global leader when it comes to maternal and child health, nutrition, access to education. In typically modest Canadian fashion, we don’t’ always highlight our tremendous successes and that happens because the Canadian taxpayer supports our efforts and thinks we should be helping others around the world. People should be proud of that.”
As she prepares for her upcoming posting, Morris is excited about facing the challenges ahead. And she also knows what to bring with her.
“A sense of humour is important anywhere,” she says. “Laughter is laughter in any language.”